A REGIONAL NETWORK OF DIALOGUE AND EXCHANGE PLATFORMS TO IMPROVE THE IDENTIFICATION OF FARMER'S NEEDS AND THE DISSEMINATION OF NEW CULTIVARS OF BANANA AND PLANTAIN (MUSA SPP.)

To improve the identification of farmer needs and the dissemination of new cultivars of banana and plantain (Musa spp.) in West and Central Africa, the Africa Research Center on Bananas and Plantains (CARBAP) and its partners used a mother/baby approach for participatory cultivar evaluation through a regional network of platforms for dialogue and exchange between all the stakeholders of the value chain. Eight platforms have been established in Cameroon, Benin, Gabon and Guinea. Each platform includes: (a) a common reference plot with ten cultivars; (b) a network of 20 farmers testing three cultivars in their own fields chosen from the reference cultivars; (c) a steering committee to manage the platform; and (d) a local users and experts club. Plantain cultivars and hybrid, cooking and dessert banana were chosen according to the production constraints and consumer demand. The platforms are designed and managed in partnership using participatory approaches. At key steps of the cycle duration (vegetative, flowering stage) and at harvest, stakeholders are convened by the steering committee for joint evaluation. Lessons learned on varietal innovation and participation collected from diverse stakeholders (extension services, non-governmental organizations, producer organization, nursery organization, processors, traders and scientists) are discussed. During the 2-year life cycle of the project, 215 people shared their views on 30 cultivars of banana and plantain. Their capacity was built on how to grow and use banana and plantain successfully. At the end of the project, each platform continued to carry on their activities, making the impact of the Innovation on Banana and Plantain (INNOBAP) project more sustainable.